CHARACTERIZATION OF A STANDARD EXERCISE TO FATIGUE TEST IN THOROUGHBRED HORSES

A practical standard exercise to fatigue (SEF) test was used to assess the performance abilities of equine athletes. The results of this tes t performed by Thoroughbred horses (n = 5) at speeds of 7.5, 9, 11, 13 or 14.5 m/s at a 5.2 % inclination on a high speed treadmill are pres ented. The results indicate that there is an excellent relationship be tween the logarithm of time to fatigue and treadmill speed. Due to thi s relationship, it is possible to characterize this relationship for a n individual horse using only two different SEF tests. Treadmill speed s of 9 m/s and 13 m/s at a 5.2 % inclination, were best accepted by th e horses. The large differences in both the slope and intercept of the regression equations between individuals may be an indication of diff erences in the power and endurance capabilities of the subjects. Furth er studies using this test in race and endurance horses will be necess ary to fully evaluate the importance of these findings.